5 Cheap Trail Markers for Hunting and Outdoor Use in 2024
When it comes to hunting, locating your stand or navigating through the wilderness without spooking your game is critical. Marking your trail effectively can save time, reduce frustration, and increase your chances of success. Whether you're tracking game, revisiting a specific spot, or ensuring your safe return from a remote location, having reliable trail markers is essential. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to set up a cost effective ground marking system. Here are five cheap trail markers for hunting and outdoor use along with tips on how to use them effectively.
Trail Markers for Hunting and Outdoor Use
Flagging Tape
Flagging tape is one of the most affordable and straightforward methods for marking a trail. Typically made from lightweight plastic, this tape comes in a variety of colors, with blaze orange being the most common for hunting. It’s highly visible during the day, making it an excellent choice for marking trails that will be revisited frequently or used to track game after a successful shot.
Pros:
Inexpensive and readily available.
Easily visible from long distances.
Quick to set up and remove.
Cons:
Not reflective, so it may be difficult to see at night without a flashlight.
Its bright color can also be a double-edged sword, as other hunters can spot your trail too, possibly leading to unwanted attention from poachers or competitors.
Best For: Hunters on private land or those who need a temporary solution while tracking game.
Marking Tacks
Marking tacks are another cheap and effective option, especially for night hunting. These small reflective tacks come in various colors, such as white, orange, or brown, and are designed to reflect light from a flashlight, allowing you to follow your trail after dark. Tacks can be placed on trees at regular intervals, and their reflective properties make them perfect for nighttime hunting.
Pros:
Reflective for easy night use.
Subtle during the day, reducing the chance of other hunters finding your trail.
Cons:
Can be challenging to spot during the day without reflective light.
Time-consuming to set up as you’ll need to place them on multiple trees along your trail.
Best For: Night hunters or those needing a low-profile marking system.
Hunting Trail Markers (Trail Chasers)
For a durable and reusable solution, Trail Chasers Survey Markers are a fantastic choice. Available in lightweight 10-pack or 25-count packs, these orange whisker-style markers are designed for outdoor durability. They're easy to carry, can be staked into the ground, and are perfect for marking your trail without drawing too much attention from other hunters. Their low profile makes them difficult for others to spot while still guiding you reliably.
Pros:
Durable, reusable, and weather-resistant.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Easy to set up and remove.
Cons:
Not reflective, so they may not be as useful at night unless paired with a flashlight.
Can be buried under snow in heavy winter areas.
Best For: Hunters who need a long-lasting and reusable trail marking system.
For those looking for an affordable, ready-made solution, you can purchase Trail Chasers Survey Markers in various pack sizes here.
Hunting Tape
Hunting tape, specifically designed for marking trails, is another cost-effective solution. While it’s similar to flagging tape, hunting tape is often more durable and weather-resistant. Many options on the market are designed to be reflective, making them ideal for marking trails during early morning or late evening hunts when visibility is low.
Pros:
Durable and weather-resistant.
Reflective options available, making it useful for night hunting.
Easily removable and reusable.
Cons:
Bright colors can alert other hunters to your trail.
It can still be less durable than other options like marking flags or whiskers.
Best For: Hunters who want a versatile marking option that works for both day and night hunts.
GPS Markers
Though not the cheapest up front, using a GPS system or GPS app on your smartphone is a modern and reliable way to mark your trail. Many hunting apps allow you to drop waypoints along your path, making it easy to find your way back to your stand or vehicle. Some GPS apps also include topographic maps, land boundaries, and weather data, giving you a complete toolkit for your hunting trip.
Pros:
Accurate and can store multiple trails and waypoints.
No need for physical markers that could give away your trail.
Many apps offer additional features like weather tracking and public land boundaries.
Cons:
Requires a reliable GPS device or smartphone.
Can be expensive if you need to purchase a standalone GPS unit or app subscription.
Dependence on battery life, which can be limited in cold weather.
Best For: Hunters who want to go digital and are willing to invest in a GPS system.
Which Method is Right for You?
When selecting a method for marking your trail, consider your specific hunting environment and budget. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, flagging tape, hunting tape, or marking tacks can be a quick and cheap solution. However, if you're looking for a reusable and durable option that won’t break the bank, the Trail Chasers Survey Markers are an excellent investment. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and offer a long-lasting marking solution that blends into the natural environment while still being visible when you need them.
Ready to Mark Your Trail?
Finding an effective and affordable way to mark your hunting trail can significantly improve your success rate. Whether you’re using simple flagging tape or investing in more durable markers like Trail Chasers Survey Markers, each option offers its own set of benefits depending on your needs. Take the time to experiment with different methods to see which one works best for your hunting style and environment.
For more hunting gear or to buy Trail Chasers Orange Lightweight Survey Markers, visit Trail Chasers and explore their wide selection of affordable, high-quality trail markers and hunting accessories.
Trail Chasers are also Available Online at Amazon
The Original Trail Chasers Ground Markers for Hunting
Trail Chasers are also Available Online at Home Depot
Garmin 67i GPS used with Trail Chasers Ground Markers
